Wednesday, February 02, 2011

In the first days of February 2011 a historic blizzard hit much of the United States--and hit it hard.

People were stranded in their cars and it turned normally fast-moving highways into a snow-filled parking lot. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago (pictured on the left) left hundreds of drivers stranded.

The good thing about disasters is that you can learn from them and prepare more for the future. Here is a list of four things I have learned from the Great Blizzard of 2011:

Be prepared. The city of Chicago Fire Department had several dozen snowmobiles on hand for catastrophic emergencies like the one we have experienced. They helped stranded travelers reach shelter when normal emergency vehicles would not allow passage through the snow. This just shows the importance of having the right supplies in emergency situations.

An emergency plan clearly communicated helps save lives. Planning for the worst and communicating your safety message will help save lives. The City of Chicago has done a great job learning from past blizzards to prepare and be able to communicate their message. Using portable sound systems in emergency planning is an important way to communicate your safety message in high-pressure situations.

Sometimes you have to realize there is nothing you can do. It's not easy for some to admit they have no control over a situation, but at times we do not. Many people in the blizzard found themselves helpless, whether it be power outages or slow traveling on the highways. The best thing you can do is to not worry and do your best to follow number 4.

If possible, enjoy the unique time while you can. Hopefully your emergency or natural disaster will be temporary and that no major casualties have occurred. If you are snowed in at home or work, do your best to make positive memories from the crazy weather. If you have kids, it can be a good memory maker and something they will always remember.

The following pictures are from my neighborhood and show how much snow we got. Amplivox Portable Sound Systems is located in Northbrook, IL and is still digging out from the big snow!